Virtually Free with Ashlee

Ashlee Thomas
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You started your business for more freedom, so why does it still feel like a job? Welcome to Virtually Free with Ashlee, the podcast for virtual assistants, service providers and digital entrepreneurs who want to scale their business in a way that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and long-term goals—without burnout or overwhelm. I’m Ashlee Thomas, a VA coach and business mentor who’s helped over 400 women grow their businesses on their own terms. In this podcast, I’ll share real talk and proven strategies to help you step into the CEO role, ditch the hustle mentality, and create a business that truly supports the life you want to live. It’s time to work smarter, not harder, and build a business that truly serves you. Hit play and let’s go.

  1. 5D AGO

    The season of staying in my own lane (even when everyone's chasing the next big thing)

    In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m sharing a real-time reflection on navigating new tools, trends, and opportunities, without getting pulled into every shiny object. And the example I'm sharing is Claude! Yes, being an early adopter can save time Yes, tools like Claude (and others) can be powerful. But if you’re constantly pivoting, learning new platforms, and starting over… you’re not building momentum, you’re burning it. When you're in the stage of growth, you don’t need more tools (yet) You need to refine what you’ve already built. This episode is your permission slip to stay in your lane, double down on what’s already working, and stop confusing “new” with “necessary.” What We Cover: The truth about being an “early adopter” (and when it actually helps vs distracts)Why constantly chasing new tools is slowing your growthThe difference between optimisation and distraction (and how to spot it fast)How to decide if something is actually worth your time right nowWhy i'm personally not adding Claude to my tech stack (just yet) If you're in the messy middle stage of business and ready to refine your services and packages to position yourself as the obvious choice, download our free Playbook here See you next week ASH

    6 min

  2. MAR 23

    The Worst Business Advice I’ve Ever Heard (And What Actually Works)

    There’s no shortage of business advice online… but not all of it is good. In fact, some of the most common advice being shared—things that sound smart, logical, and even “proven”—can actually slow your growth, lead to burnout, or keep you stuck in cycles of under-earning. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the worst business advice I’ve heard (and followed), and what I’ve seen firsthand through building my own VA business and mentoring others. Because building a business that actually works isn’t about following trends—it’s about making decisions based on real data, real people, and what’s sustainable long-term. In this episode I cover: Why “build it and they will come” is one of the biggest time-wastersThe truth about niching down (and why it actually creates more opportunities)The risk of relying too heavily on social media platformsWhy Facebook groups are still one of the most powerful tools for connection + more If you’re ready to stop undercharging and start building a business that actually supports you, my Pricing Playbook is the best place to start. Inside, I walk you through how to confidently price your services based on value—not fear. 👉 Grab it here: https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/pricingforpurpose If you loved this episode, make sure you: Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss future episodesShare this with another VA who needs to hear itLeave a review (it helps more people find the podcast!) And come hang out with me on Instagram: 👉 Follow me here: www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach

    12 min

  3. MAR 16

    The Reality Of Building a VA Business as a New Mum with Nadia Carmody

    What happens when a career-driven professional suddenly finds herself rethinking everything after becoming a mum? In this episode of Virtually Free, I sit down with VA Mastery graduate Nadia from The Virtual Edition to talk about her journey from corporate admin to running her own virtual assistant business. After 15+ years working in admin and operations, Nadia found herself unexpectedly out of a job while on maternity leave. Rather than returning to the corporate world and long commutes, she decided to take the leap into business ownership. Despite having no social media presence at the time, Nadia signed multiple clients through her network before officially launching her business. In this conversation, Nadia shares the honest behind-the-scenes of starting out — including the doubts, the late nights, and the small wins that kept her going. If you’re thinking about starting a VA business but keep putting it off, this episode is the reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. You can connect with Nadia over on Instagram here and find out more about our VA Mastery Startup Program here

    32 min

  4. MAR 9

    What To Avoid To Build A Business That Lasts

    There’s a stage in business that no one prepares you for. You’re not new anymore. Clients are coming in. Money is flowing. But it starts to feel heavy. In this episode, I dive into: Why the 12–18 month mark is where most VAs quitThe people-pleasing and scope creep that leads to burnoutWhy comparison hits harder in the messy middleThe difference between chaos and growthHow to shift from employee energy into CEO energy This isn’t the stage to quit. It’s the stage to refine Download our Pricing Playbook for a resource on how to price and package like a pro here https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/pricingforpurpose Follow on IG for more growth tips here www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach

    12 min

  5. MAR 3

    No one prepares you for this stage in business

    If I was 12 months into my VA business again, knowing what I know now, there are three things I would stop immediately. In this episode, we talk about the messy middle stage of business growth and: Why undercharging is harder to fix laterThe cost of saying yes to everythingWhy avoiding your numbers keeps you stuckThe shift from scrappy to strategic If you’re one year in and it still feels messy… you don’t need to start over. You need refinement. And one of the first steps? Your pricing! If pricing is your weak spot, grab the Pricing Playbook to help you raise and position properly. 👉 https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/pricingforpurpose Come share your biggest takeaway over on Instagram and let me know where you are in business. 👉 www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach

    7 min

  6. FEB 23

    From Burnt-Out Nurse to Booked VA! Meet Bianca

    What happens when you’re burnt out in your 9–5… but not yet confident in your business? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Bianca, founder of Busy Bee Support and a current student inside VA Mastery. Bianca shares her honest journey from nursing burnout to building a virtual assistant business supporting allied health and wellness professionals. We talk about mindset blocks, niching down, signing clients, marketing pivots and what it really takes to build momentum in your VA business. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “faking it” or unsure whether your past career experience is relevant in the VA world, this episode is going to shift your perspective. In this episode we cover: Why Bianca originally started her VA business (and why it wasn’t glamorous)The mindset struggles that come with starting from scratchHow nursing skills translate directly into a profitable VA businessThe power of niching down (and how clarity changes everything)Why Instagram wasn’t working — and how LinkedIn generated leads insteadMistakes made from relying on one marketing channelThe importance of onboarding systems and process confidenceTransitioning from part-time employment to full-time businessThe role of AI in future-proofing your VA businessWhy human skills will always matter (even in an AI world) The doors are currently open to VA Mastery — my 6-month high level group coaching program giving you the trainings, tools and support to build a thriving virtual business in 2026. ENROL HERE Connect with Bianca on Instagram or view her website

    22 min

  7. FEB 16

    What I wish i knew before signing my first client

    Your first client experience probably won’t be perfect — and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. In this episode, I share what really happened when I landed my first client, the awkward mistakes made, and why being a beginner is not a weakness. If you’re overthinking your first offer, discovery call, or onboarding steps — this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn: Why your first discovery call will feel awkward (and why that’s okay)What clients actually care about when hiring youThe 3 things I wish she’d prepared ahead of timeWhy you don’t need to pretend to be more experienced than you areHow to start with clarity and honesty — even if you're brand new Links & Resources: ✨ Ready to sign your first client with clarity and confidence? Join the Start Your VA Biz Challenge for free here. We begin tomorrow! Follow me on IG for daily tips + inspo and of course let me know what you loved the most about this episode/podcast and send me through a review Ash

    11 min

  8. FEB 9

    3 Simple Systems You Need to Set Up Your Business Correctly

    Feeling stuck in setup mode and not sure where to begin? In this episode, I break down the three foundational systems every brand-new VA needs to confidently start their business — without getting lost in tech overwhelm or perfectionism. What You’ll Learn: The #1 mindset block that keeps new VAs stuckWhy making clear decisions is a system in itselfHow to create a visibility plan that’s realistic (and not draining)What to include in your basic onboarding process — even if you don’t have a client yetThe difference between preparation and perfection Did you hear? Our Startup VA Challenge begins on Feb 18. This is a free, step-by-step training to help you start, launch and find clients in 30 days! You can register here And here is the Starter Kit link I referenced in today's episode Don't forget to leave me a review and share with me on socials what you think about VF ASH

    10 min
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About

You started your business for more freedom, so why does it still feel like a job? Welcome to Virtually Free with Ashlee, the podcast for virtual assistants, service providers and digital entrepreneurs who want to scale their business in a way that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and long-term goals—without burnout or overwhelm. I’m Ashlee Thomas, a VA coach and business mentor who’s helped over 400 women grow their businesses on their own terms. In this podcast, I’ll share real talk and proven strategies to help you step into the CEO role, ditch the hustle mentality, and create a business that truly supports the life you want to live. It’s time to work smarter, not harder, and build a business that truly serves you. Hit play and let’s go.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashlee Thomas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Ashlee Thomas
  • Show Website
    Virtually Free with Ashlee

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